Trump and Xi hold high-stakes talks

The leaders of the two global superpowers meet in Washington with trade, tariffs, Taiwan, the Iran war, and AI among the main issues expected to shape their second meeting this year


TARIFFS
Expectations are high that summit may result in extension of tariff truce, which expires Nov 10 and averted major shock to global economy. Two nations to discuss cutting duties on some non-sensitive goods, including U.S. energy, farm exports and some Chinese goods

TRADE
Trump eyes several trade deals to announce before midterm elections in November, including Chinese purchases of Boeing jets and U.S. farm goods. China seeks further delay to rules barring Chinese firms from advanced U.S. technology. Washington wants more rare earths, critical minerals in return

TAIWAN
Trump calls pending $14bn Taiwan arms package “negotiating chip”, fuelling fears in Taipei and Tokyo that he could trade it for political wins before midterms. Xi wants Trump to say U.S. opposes Taiwan independence, not just does not support it – highly controversial shift

AI
U.S. and China racing to become dominant powers in AI amid increasing concerns over potential risks posed by technology. Washington proposes “notification mechanism” for AI incidents reaching national security level; Trump, Xi expected to discuss it

IRAN
Washington long worried about China's ties to Iran, from oil purchases to alleged satellite imagery from Chinese firms for targeting U.S. bases. Beijing denies claims. U.S. sees Xi as only leader able to pressure Tehran to end war, but he shows little willingness

Sources: Reuters, Bloomberg, FT
Picture: Getty Images
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